U.S. Medical Volunteer Program

Matibabu’s U.S. medical professionals visit Ugenya periodically to conduct free clinics and perform surgery. See our video.

In September 2004, eight physicians (four internists, two pediatricians, a general surgeon and a urologist) traveled to Ugenya and conducted free clinics in 10 different locales. The response was overwhelming. We saw more than 5,000 people whom we treated for malaria, worms, scabies, fungal infections, typhoid, TB and other opportunistic infections associated with HIV (we could not treat AIDS itself at that time because no AIDS drugs were available to us). Kenyan volunteers served as interpreters and learned from us how to treat common problems. In addition, two Matibabu surgeons based at the Siaya District Hospital performed free procedures on patients identified at the clinics. The surgeons developed a good working relationship with the superintendent of Siaya District hospital.

In 2005, we sent thirteen medical providers to Ugenya: two internists, an infectious disease specialist, an emergency room physician, an orthopedist, a radiologist, a urologist, two general surgeons, two pediatricians, a nurse anesthetist and a nurse. The surgical specialists and radiologist were based at the Siaya District Hospital where they performed a variety of complex surgeries and radiologic procedures. Local physicians had lined up patients in advance of our arrival, so we were able to perform 40 to 50 procedures. Our nurse anesthetist trained the local anesthesia technician in spinal anesthesia, making a huge improvement in surgical care which continues to benefit patients to this day. We also ran 5 free medical "camps", serving 3200 people, during which we treated a wide variety of ailments, focusing on HIV testing and counseling, and diagnosis and treatment of malaria. In addition, we ran two vaccination clinics using government-provided vaccines to immunize about 300 children. Finally, we conducted three days of seminars to teach local community leaders about HIV/AIDS, malaria, worms, nutrition, sanitation and hygiene, and how to manage wounds and fractures.

In September 2006 we sent 30 physicians and nurses to Ugenya and Kisumu. In Siaya district hospital and in the provincial hospital in Kisumu, approximately 140 surgical procedures were performed including complex plastic surgery and heroic cancer surgery. In addition, our ophthalmologist did 30 cataract surgeries and taught the local eye surgeon how to perform them. The internists and pediatricians along with the permanent Matibabu clinic staff worked in the medical camps providing diagnostic tests and treatments to approximately 5000 people.

Periodically throughout 2007 and 2008, we have sent small groups of American doctors and nurses to Ugenya to perform surgery, work on AIDS projects, and set up a woman's health project in the Matibabu clinic.

The Matibabu medical professionals all volunteer their time, and no fees are charged to the Ugenyan patients for their services.

- VOLUNTEER -